Tip of the week--December 19, 2022

KEEP YOUR WATER BOTTLES FROM FREEZING ON YOUR COLD WINTER RIDES

​I can remember the first time I rode long enough in temps that my water bottle started freezing up.  At first I didn’t believe it, but I unscrewed the top and sure enough, I had made my own personal slushie.  It was a bit of a badge of courage, until I really needed a drink and then it was just annoying and keeping me from hydrating.

I have to admit that I still get a kick out of riding in conditions to freeze bottles, I also take...

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a very easy step to make sure some of my water stays water.  Very simply, I rotate bottles in and out of my back center pocket.  If it’s super cold, I’ll make sure to have two outer layers with pockets and put my bottle in the pocket under the outer layer.

This technique works amazingly well to keep your fluids fluid.  One key is to make sure you start with one of your bottles in your pocket so it doesn’t even start freezing.  Then, after 15-30 minutes, depending on how cold it is, rotate your bottle from your bike cage to your pocket and vice-versa.  Keep this rotation going, drinking all the while, and you’ll be less likely to be chipping away the ice from the inside of the bottle in pursuit of some liquid satisfaction.  By sticking to a timeline, you’re also possibly more likely to drink on these cold days were we don’t always feel like we need or want to drink, but its super important.

Here’s a good read on the importance of staying hydrated in the winter:

https://pezcyclingnews.com/toolbox/toolbox-winter-hydration-for-better-training/

What’s your best winter hydration tip?

What do you do to keep your bottles freezing?

Leave a comment or question below.

May your water stay water!
​
Coach Brian